French Toast Casserole (for Two or Three)

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Our French toast casserole for two is the perfect breakfast for two or three people. The casserole makes a delicious breakfast or brunch, and it’s especially easy because it’s made in one dish. It’s a nice way to transform leftover or day-old bread into a golden, custardy dish. Brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla flavor the dish, and a drizzle of maple syrup adds to the decadence.

Whether served as a comforting breakfast centerpiece or a cozy dessert, this French toast casserole is easy to prepare and irresistible. This is a recipe you’ll put on repeat.

What You’ll Like About This Recipe

• Perfect size for two. This casserole offers just the right amount for a small household—rich, filling, and perfectly portioned without days of leftovers.
• Custardy, tender texture. The bread absorbs the sweet egg mixture and bakes into a soft, creamy interior with caramelized edges from the brown sugar.
• Easy pantry-friendly ingredients. Everything in this recipe is common and inexpensive, making it a convenient last-minute breakfast option.
• Fast and oven-ready. With only minutes of prep and a short bake time, this recipe is approachable even on busy mornings.
• Adaptable flavor. You can easily adjust spices, add fruit, or change the bread type to suit your taste or what you have available.

Ingredient Notes

• Bread – Slightly stale bread works best because it absorbs the custard more easily. Use brioche, challah, French bread, or even leftover dinner rolls for extra richness.
• Butter and brown sugar – Melted together, they become a caramel-like base that enhances sweetness and flavor. Dark brown sugar gives a deeper molasses note.
• Eggs – Provide structure and richness. Use large eggs for consistent results.
• Milk – Whole milk adds the creamiest texture, but 2% or nondairy milk works well too.
• Vanilla – Amplifies the sweetness and gives the casserole classic French toast flavor.
• Cinnamon – Adds warmth and aroma. You can use a dash of nutmeg or pumpkin spice if you want a cozier flavor profile.
• Maple syrup – Used both before and after baking to add sweetness and a glossy finish.

How to Make It

1. Prepare a small baking dish by buttering it well so the casserole releases easily and develops nicely browned edges.
2. Add the cubed bread to the dish, allowing space for the custard to settle between pieces. Using a variety of bread sizes creates a more textured bake.
3. Melt the butter and brown sugar together until smooth, then let cool slightly so the mixture does not scramble the eggs.
4. Whisk the eggs with milk, then add cinnamon and vanilla. Incorporate the cooled butter mixture to create a smooth custard.
5. Pour the custard evenly over the bread, pressing gently so all pieces absorb the mixture and bake evenly.
6. Drizzle with maple syrup before baking to create a caramelized top layer.
7. Bake until puffed, browned, and set in the center. Serve warm with extra maple syrup.

Pro Tips

• Use day-old bread for the best texture. Fresh bread can become too soft unless lightly toasted first.
• Let the bread soak for a few minutes before baking to ensure even custard absorption.
• Mix spices like nutmeg or cardamom into the custard for extra depth.
• Tent with foil if the top browns too quickly before the center is set.
• Cut into cubes of varying sizes to create a more rustic, textured casserole.

Recipe Variations

• Berry French toast casserole. Add fresh or frozen blueberries, raspberries, or diced strawberries to the bread before adding custard.
• Apple cinnamon version. Stir in finely diced apples sautéed with butter and cinnamon for a fall-inspired twist.
• Chocolate chip treat. Sprinkle a handful of chocolate chips throughout for a dessert-like breakfast.
• Orange-vanilla flavor. Add orange zest and a splash of orange juice to brighten the custard.
• Pecan praline style. Top with chopped pecans and a drizzle of melted butter mixed with extra brown sugar for crunch.
• A different sauce. Serve the French toast casserole with a fruit sauce, caramel, or compote instead of maple syrup.

What Goes With French Toast?

• Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts can add crunch to the dish.
• Meat: Add breakfast meat, such as crisp cooked bacon, sausage patties or links, or sliced ham.
• Avocado: Add avocado slices to the plate.
• Potatoes: Serve French toast with home fries or hash browns.

How to Store

• Refrigerate leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain a soft, custardy texture.
• Freeze portions tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven for best results.
• Reheat in a 300°F oven or air fryer until warm. Avoid microwaving too long, which can make the texture rubbery.

French Toast Casserole for Two

Diana Rattray

Enjoy a decadent breakfast with our French toast casserole for two. Made with brown sugar, cinnamon, and vanilla, it’s the ultimate morning delight.

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Servings 3 servings

Calories 503

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes minutes

Total Time 35 minutes minutes

Recipe Resources

• 1.2-quart baking dish
• Small saucepan 1-quart

Ingredients

  

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• Butter, for the baking dish
• 4 ounces bread, cubed, 3 to 4 cups
• 4 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 3 large eggs
• 1 cup milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• Maple syrup, divided, for baking and serving

Instructions

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• Heat the oven to 425°F and butter a 1-quart baking dish.
  
• Put the bread in the baking dish.
  
• Melt the butter and brown sugar in a small saucepan over medium-low heat and stir until smooth. Set aside to cool slightly. Whisk the eggs and milk together in a medium bowl. Add the vanilla and cinnamon and mix well. Whisk in the cooled brown sugar mixture.
  
• Pour the egg and milk mixture over the bread and press the bread gently to saturate the cubes.
  
• Drizzle a tablespoon or two of maple syrup over the mixture and bake the casserole for 25 minutes or until browned and puffy.
  
• Serve hot with maple syrup. Enjoy!
  

Nutrition

Calories: 503kcalCarbohydrates: 59gProtein: 13gFat: 24gSaturated Fat: 13gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 236mgSodium: 411mgPotassium: 302mgFiber: 2gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 871IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 217mgIron: 3mg

Disclaimer:

Our nutritional information is based on a third-party application that analyzes the ingredients list to determine the values. The information is meant to be helpful, but should be considered an estimate. Values may differ depending on measurements, brands, serving variations, and database availability.

Keyword casserole, cinnamon, eggs, French toast

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